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Mark 10:46
Verse
Context
Jesus Heals Bartimaeus
45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”46Next, they came to Jericho. And as Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho with a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road.47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Blind Bartimeus - בר bar in Syriac signifies son. It appears that he was thus named because Timeus, Talmeus or Talmai, was the name of his father, and thus the son would be called Bar-talmeus, or Bartholomew. Some suppose υἱος Τιμαιου, the son of Timeus, to be an interpolation. Bartimeus the son of Timeus, ὁ τυφλος, The blind man. It was because he was the most remarkable that this evangelist mentions him by name, as a person probably well known in those parts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus stood still,.... Hearing his voice, and knowing what charges and reproofs were given him to be silent: and commanded him to be called and led and brought unto him: this order was given; either to his disciples, or to some of the multitude, probably the latter: and they call the blind man, saying unto him, be of good comfort, rise, he calleth thee; or "because he calleth thee", as the Arabic version renders it; suggesting, that some hopes might be conceived from thence, that something would be done in his favour. The Persic version renders it, "our master calleth thee", so that that interpreter thought, that the disciples were the persons that were ordered to call, and did call the blind man: the word "rise", is left out in the Persic and; Ethiopic versions. It may be observed from hence, that such whom Christ effectually calls by his grace, of which this instance is emblematical, have reason to be of good comfort; or that the effectual calling is a ground of comfort: called ones may take comfort from it, and be assured that they are loved by God; since it is a fruit, effect, and evidence, of God's everlasting love to them; and that they are the chosen of God, for, whom he did predestinate, he calls; and that they are Christ's, and are redeemed by him, seeing he has called them by name: and they may expect all good things from him; seeing they are called according to grace, given them in him before the world began; and are called to the participation of the blessings of grace; and it is affirmed that all things work together for their good: wherefore they may live in the faith of eternal glory and happiness; since they that are called, are justified, and shall be glorified.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This passage of story agrees with that, Mat 20:29, etc. Only that there were told of two blind men; here, and Luk 18:35, only of one: but if there were two, there was one. This one is named here, being a blind beggar that was much talked of; he was called Bartimeus, that is, the son of Timeus; which, some think, signifies the son of a blind man; he was the blind son of a blind father, which made the case worse, and the cure more wonderful, and the more proper to typify the spiritual cures wrought by the grace of Christ, on those that not only are born blind, but are born of those that are blind. I. This blind man sat begging; as they do with us. Note, Those who by the providence of God are disabled to get a livelihood by their own labour, and have not any other way of subsisting, are the most proper objects of charity; and particular care ought to be taken of them. II. He cried out to the Lord Jesus for mercy; Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David. Misery is the object of mercy, his own miserable case he recommends to the compassion of the Son of David, of whom it was foretold, that, when he should come to save us, the eyes of the blind should be opened, Isa 35:5. In coming to Christ for help and healing, we should have an eye to him as the promised Messiah, the Trustee of mercy and grace. III. Christ encouraged him to hope that he should find mercy; for he stood still, and commanded him to be called. We must never reckon it a hindrance to us in our way, to stand still, when it is to do a good work. Those about him, who had discouraged him at first, perhaps were now the persons that signified to him the gracious call of Christ; "Be of good comfort, rise, he calls thee; and if he calls thee, he will cure thee." Note, The gracious invitations Christ gives us to come to him, are great encouragements to our hope, that we shall speed well if we come to him, and shall have what we come for. Let the guilty, the empty, the tempted, the hungry, the naked, be of good comfort, for he calls them to be pardoned, to be supplied, to be succoured, to be filled, to be clothed, to have all that done for them, which their case calls for. IV. The poor man, hereupon, made the best of his way to Christ; He cast away his loose upper garment, and came to Jesus (Mar 10:50); he cast away every thing that might be in danger of throwing him down, or might in any way hinder him in coming to Christ, or retard his motion. Those who would come to Jesus, must cast away the garment of their own sufficiency, must strip themselves of all conceit of that, and must free themselves from every weight, and the sin that, like long garments, doth most easily beset them, Heb 12:1. V. The particular favour he begged, was, that his eyes might be opened; that so he might be able to work for his living, and might be no longer burthensome to others. It is a very desirable thing to be in a capacity of earning our own bread; and where God has given men their limbs and senses, it is a shame for men by their foolishness and slothfulness to make themselves, in effect, blind and lame. VI. This favour he received; his eyes were opened (Mar 10:52); and two things Mark here adds, which intimate, 1. How Christ made it a double favour to him, by putting the honour of it upon his faith; "Thy faith hath made thee whole; faith in Christ as the Son of David, and in his pity and power; not thy importunity, but thy faith, setting Christ on work, or rather Christ setting thy faith on work." Those supplies are most comfortable, that are fetched in by our faith. 2. How he made it a double favour to himself; When he had received his sight, he followed Jesus by the way. By this he made it appear that he was thoroughly cured, that he no more needed one to lead him, but could go himself; and by this he evidenced the grateful sense he had of Christ's kindness to him, that, when he had his sight, he made this use of it. It is not enough to come to Christ for spiritual healing, but, when we are healed, we must continue to follow him; that we may do honour to him, and receive instruction from him. Those that have spiritual eye-sight, see that beauty in Christ, that will effectually draw them to run after him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:46-52 The healing of blind Bartimaeus is the last healing miracle recorded in Mark. This event and the healing of the blind man in 8:22-26 form bookends around this section (see Mark Book Introduction, “Literary Features”). It is also a bridge to Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as Israel’s Messiah in 11:1-11. Bartimaeus’s confession (Jesus, Son of David) prepares the reader for the confession of the people upon Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem (11:10). 10:46 they reached Jericho: The journey Jesus began in 10:1 was nearing its conclusion. Jericho was the last major city in the Jordan River Valley before Jerusalem. It may be the oldest continually occupied city in the world. In Jesus’ day, it was no longer located on the much smaller site of Old Testament times (Tell es-Sultan) but had been moved and greatly enlarged. The road from Jericho up to Jerusalem was steep, with a difference in elevation of about 3,000 feet (about 1,000 meters). • The large crowd following Jesus might have been fellow pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for Passover, but they certainly show Jesus’ great popularity and charisma. • A blind beggar . . . was sitting beside the road: This was a good location for collecting alms from religious pilgrims going to Jerusalem.
Mark 10:46
Jesus Heals Bartimaeus
45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”46Next, they came to Jericho. And as Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho with a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road.47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
In a Moment
By Jim Cymbala2.0K30:12BelievingMRK 10:46In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who cried out to Jesus for mercy. The preacher emphasizes the power of desperate prayer and the need to ask God for mercy, as we cannot earn anything from Him. The sermon highlights that Bartimaeus' life was changed in a moment, not gradually, and that God can bring about divine interventions that can instantly transform our lives. The preacher encourages the congregation to believe that God can do miracles in their lives and reminds them that as members of the church of Christ, they should support and root for each other.
The Preciousness of the Soul
By Stephen Olford1.6K31:53Soul Of ManMRK 10:46In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of being called by God to serve in Angola and Congo. He talks about the initial challenges they faced in trying to connect with the local people, but gradually gained their trust and began to learn their language. The speaker then shares a tragic event that occurred in their lives, comparing it to the story of the rich young ruler in the Bible who chose wealth over following Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not losing one's soul in pursuit of worldly possessions and highlights the need for spiritual values in a society that often prioritizes materialism. The speaker references Mark 8:36, which asks what profit it is to gain the whole world but lose one's soul.
Removing the Stumbling Blocks - Part 1
By Dan Augsburger1.5K1:24:19ISA 62:6MRK 10:46This sermon focuses on the power of prayer, emphasizing the importance of interceding for others and persisting in prayer. It explores the story of Blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10, highlighting the need for faith and persistence in seeking God's intervention. The speaker discusses hindrances to answered prayers and the significance of both physical and spiritual healing through prayer. The connection between praise and persistence in prayer is also addressed, encouraging listeners to continue seeking God diligently.
The Son of David
By Paul Ravenhill99839:01MAT 1:1MRK 10:46In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a missionary in Argentina who would spend time helping young people straighten out their minds, only for them to be easily influenced again by outside factors. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a spiritual foundation rather than relying solely on the mind. They highlight the example of trying to talk a young person out of a relationship, explaining that the heart's desire for love and the presence of God is stronger than any logical argument. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the book of Matthew and the need to continually seek and respond to God's mercy in order to live a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Jesus of Nazareth Is Passing by - Part 1
By Brian Long66027:03MRK 10:46This sermon emphasizes the story of blind Bartimaeus from Mark chapter 10, highlighting his desperate cry for Jesus' mercy despite opposition, illustrating the importance of genuine faith and humility in seeking salvation. It delves into the dangers of spiritual blindness, focusing on hypocrisy, false assurance of salvation without transformation, and the necessity of acknowledging Jesus as both Savior and Lord. The urgency of responding to God's mercy and grace when He passes by is underscored, as seen in Bartimaeus' decisive moment of faith.
Blind Bartimaeus - the Unsaved Believer
By Major Ian Thomas1844:45SalvationFaithMRK 10:46Major Ian Thomas explores the story of Blind Bartimaeus, illustrating the plight of an unsaved believer who, despite his knowledge of Jesus, remained spiritually blind and beggarly until he recognized the Savior's presence. He emphasizes that true faith requires personal contact with Christ, moving beyond mere belief to a transformative relationship. Bartimaeus's cry for mercy symbolizes the urgent need for individuals to act on their faith and seek Jesus actively, despite societal pressures to remain silent. The sermon encourages listeners to embrace their identity as the immediate object of Christ's quest, highlighting the joy and responsibility that comes with true salvation. Ultimately, Thomas calls for a deliberate decision to receive Christ, moving from a state of spiritual poverty to one of vibrant faith.
Stuck in a Rut
By Ed Wrather0MAT 6:33MAT 7:7MRK 10:46JAS 5:16Ed Wrather preaches on the story of blind Bartimaeus, emphasizing the need to seek God for a way out of the ruts in our lives, just like Bartimaeus sought Jesus for healing despite discouragement from others. He highlights the importance of persistent faith and reaching out to Jesus even when situations seem impossible, as Bartimaeus did, resulting in a life-changing encounter with God's power and grace.
In Relation to Spiritual Sight
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 11:12MRK 10:46LUK 19:10JHN 17:31CO 2:9EPH 1:17T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the spiritual blindness inherited by the whole human race from Adam's sin, emphasizing the deep longing within every heart to see the face of God. He highlights the significance of regaining spiritual sight through Jesus Christ, who came to seek and save the lost, including the lost sight of God's glory and grace. Using the story of blind Bartimaeus, he illustrates the need for a desperate pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of persistent prayer and violent faith in seeking a deeper revelation of God's eternal truths.
Results Through Desperate Faith
By E.A. Adeboye0MAT 9:29MRK 10:46LUK 18:35ROM 4:20HEB 11:1E.A. Adeboye preaches on the power of desperate faith, emphasizing the importance of activating our faith to receive God's miraculous touch. He highlights the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, who demonstrated desperate faith by crying out to Jesus for healing. Adeboye challenges believers to step out of their comfort zones and trigger their own miracles through persistent and unwavering faith, as Jesus always sought out faith in people to perform miracles.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Blind Bartimeus - בר bar in Syriac signifies son. It appears that he was thus named because Timeus, Talmeus or Talmai, was the name of his father, and thus the son would be called Bar-talmeus, or Bartholomew. Some suppose υἱος Τιμαιου, the son of Timeus, to be an interpolation. Bartimeus the son of Timeus, ὁ τυφλος, The blind man. It was because he was the most remarkable that this evangelist mentions him by name, as a person probably well known in those parts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus stood still,.... Hearing his voice, and knowing what charges and reproofs were given him to be silent: and commanded him to be called and led and brought unto him: this order was given; either to his disciples, or to some of the multitude, probably the latter: and they call the blind man, saying unto him, be of good comfort, rise, he calleth thee; or "because he calleth thee", as the Arabic version renders it; suggesting, that some hopes might be conceived from thence, that something would be done in his favour. The Persic version renders it, "our master calleth thee", so that that interpreter thought, that the disciples were the persons that were ordered to call, and did call the blind man: the word "rise", is left out in the Persic and; Ethiopic versions. It may be observed from hence, that such whom Christ effectually calls by his grace, of which this instance is emblematical, have reason to be of good comfort; or that the effectual calling is a ground of comfort: called ones may take comfort from it, and be assured that they are loved by God; since it is a fruit, effect, and evidence, of God's everlasting love to them; and that they are the chosen of God, for, whom he did predestinate, he calls; and that they are Christ's, and are redeemed by him, seeing he has called them by name: and they may expect all good things from him; seeing they are called according to grace, given them in him before the world began; and are called to the participation of the blessings of grace; and it is affirmed that all things work together for their good: wherefore they may live in the faith of eternal glory and happiness; since they that are called, are justified, and shall be glorified.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This passage of story agrees with that, Mat 20:29, etc. Only that there were told of two blind men; here, and Luk 18:35, only of one: but if there were two, there was one. This one is named here, being a blind beggar that was much talked of; he was called Bartimeus, that is, the son of Timeus; which, some think, signifies the son of a blind man; he was the blind son of a blind father, which made the case worse, and the cure more wonderful, and the more proper to typify the spiritual cures wrought by the grace of Christ, on those that not only are born blind, but are born of those that are blind. I. This blind man sat begging; as they do with us. Note, Those who by the providence of God are disabled to get a livelihood by their own labour, and have not any other way of subsisting, are the most proper objects of charity; and particular care ought to be taken of them. II. He cried out to the Lord Jesus for mercy; Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David. Misery is the object of mercy, his own miserable case he recommends to the compassion of the Son of David, of whom it was foretold, that, when he should come to save us, the eyes of the blind should be opened, Isa 35:5. In coming to Christ for help and healing, we should have an eye to him as the promised Messiah, the Trustee of mercy and grace. III. Christ encouraged him to hope that he should find mercy; for he stood still, and commanded him to be called. We must never reckon it a hindrance to us in our way, to stand still, when it is to do a good work. Those about him, who had discouraged him at first, perhaps were now the persons that signified to him the gracious call of Christ; "Be of good comfort, rise, he calls thee; and if he calls thee, he will cure thee." Note, The gracious invitations Christ gives us to come to him, are great encouragements to our hope, that we shall speed well if we come to him, and shall have what we come for. Let the guilty, the empty, the tempted, the hungry, the naked, be of good comfort, for he calls them to be pardoned, to be supplied, to be succoured, to be filled, to be clothed, to have all that done for them, which their case calls for. IV. The poor man, hereupon, made the best of his way to Christ; He cast away his loose upper garment, and came to Jesus (Mar 10:50); he cast away every thing that might be in danger of throwing him down, or might in any way hinder him in coming to Christ, or retard his motion. Those who would come to Jesus, must cast away the garment of their own sufficiency, must strip themselves of all conceit of that, and must free themselves from every weight, and the sin that, like long garments, doth most easily beset them, Heb 12:1. V. The particular favour he begged, was, that his eyes might be opened; that so he might be able to work for his living, and might be no longer burthensome to others. It is a very desirable thing to be in a capacity of earning our own bread; and where God has given men their limbs and senses, it is a shame for men by their foolishness and slothfulness to make themselves, in effect, blind and lame. VI. This favour he received; his eyes were opened (Mar 10:52); and two things Mark here adds, which intimate, 1. How Christ made it a double favour to him, by putting the honour of it upon his faith; "Thy faith hath made thee whole; faith in Christ as the Son of David, and in his pity and power; not thy importunity, but thy faith, setting Christ on work, or rather Christ setting thy faith on work." Those supplies are most comfortable, that are fetched in by our faith. 2. How he made it a double favour to himself; When he had received his sight, he followed Jesus by the way. By this he made it appear that he was thoroughly cured, that he no more needed one to lead him, but could go himself; and by this he evidenced the grateful sense he had of Christ's kindness to him, that, when he had his sight, he made this use of it. It is not enough to come to Christ for spiritual healing, but, when we are healed, we must continue to follow him; that we may do honour to him, and receive instruction from him. Those that have spiritual eye-sight, see that beauty in Christ, that will effectually draw them to run after him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:46-52 The healing of blind Bartimaeus is the last healing miracle recorded in Mark. This event and the healing of the blind man in 8:22-26 form bookends around this section (see Mark Book Introduction, “Literary Features”). It is also a bridge to Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as Israel’s Messiah in 11:1-11. Bartimaeus’s confession (Jesus, Son of David) prepares the reader for the confession of the people upon Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem (11:10). 10:46 they reached Jericho: The journey Jesus began in 10:1 was nearing its conclusion. Jericho was the last major city in the Jordan River Valley before Jerusalem. It may be the oldest continually occupied city in the world. In Jesus’ day, it was no longer located on the much smaller site of Old Testament times (Tell es-Sultan) but had been moved and greatly enlarged. The road from Jericho up to Jerusalem was steep, with a difference in elevation of about 3,000 feet (about 1,000 meters). • The large crowd following Jesus might have been fellow pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for Passover, but they certainly show Jesus’ great popularity and charisma. • A blind beggar . . . was sitting beside the road: This was a good location for collecting alms from religious pilgrims going to Jerusalem.